TAMPA BAY METRO by Metro Life Media, Inc.

" TRULY MEMORABLE &91&3*&/$& +645 " 4)035 %3*7& "8":

7,000+ Yard 18-Hole Joe Lee Signature Golf Course 7 Acre Driving Range - Tees at Both Ends t -JHIUFE )BS 5SV $MBZ 5FOOJT $PVSUT t 4QFDJBM &WFOU 'BDJMJUJFT t +VOJPS 0MZNQJD 4J[F 1PPM t (PVSNFU %JOJOH t 'JUOFTT $FOUFS

XXX 'FBUIFS4PVOE$$ DPN

'FBUIFS 4PVOE %S. $MFBSXBUFS '-

1-844-210-FSCC (3 7 2 2) $POUBDU 5BNBSB (BMMB GPS &WFOU BOE .FNbFSTIJQ *OGPSNBUJPO

AVILA 10 Bed | 13/6 Bath | 28,363 SF | Offered at $5,499,900 Dina Sierra Smith & Mitzi Gill 813.760.6354 AvileEstate.com

DAVIS ISLANDS 4 Bed | 3/2 Bath | 4,182 SF | Offered at $1,695,000 Ed Gunning & Mary Pond 813.294.8867 132westdavisboulevard.smithandassociates.com

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST 5 Bed | 4/1 Bath | 4,300 SF | Offered at $975,000 Sharon Kantner & Tia Hockensmith 727.278.5866 ThisOldNEhouse.com

EXCEPTIONAL P R O P E R T I E S ,

A G E N T S

S E R V I C E

HYDE PARK 4 Bed | 4/1 Bath | 3,696 SF | Offered at $1,399,000 Ed Gunning & Mary Pond 813.294.8867 830southwillowavenue.smithandassociates.com

BEACH PARK

DAVIS ISLANDS WATERFRONT

5 Bed | 4/1 Bath | 5,498 SF | Offered at $2,095,000 Mary Pond & Ed Gunning 813.690.7902 4212westculbreathavenue.smithandassociates.com

5 Bed | 5/1 Bath | 6,502 SF | Offered at $3,650,000 Traci Burns 813.833.7510 42martiniqueavenue.smithandassociates.com

INDIAN SHORES 5 Bed | 4/1 Bath | 5,100 SF | Offered at $1,890,000 Traci Burns 813.833.7510 19730gulfboulevard300.smithandassociates.com

CULBREATH ISLES WATERFRONT

PASS-A-GRILLE

6 Bed | 6/1 Bath | 6,899 SF | Offered at $3,495,900 Mary Kelly 813.695.0163 marykelly.smithandassociates.com

3 Bed | 2/1 Bath | 2,556 SF | Offered at $975,000 Don Pellegrino & Georgi Ivanov 813.625.4399 10323rdavenue.smithandassociates.com

速

TAMPA | ST. PETERSBURG | CLEARWATER 1.855.580.3758 | WWW.SMITHANDASSOCIATES.COM

PALMA CEIA

BAYSHORE BEAUTIFUL

5 Bed | 4/1 Bath | 4,080 SF | Offered at $925,000 Julie Lux 813.598.0911 3317westleonastreet.smithandassociates.com

4 Bed | 3/1 Bath | 4,671 SF | Offered at $1,149,000 Mary Pond & Ed Gunning 813.690.7902 3222westharborviewavenue.smithandassociates.com

BROADWATER

GOLF VIEW

BALLAST POINT

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,696 SF | Offered at $509,900 Debbie Zito 727.865.8326 438840thstreetsouth.smithandassociates.com

7 Bed | 7/4 Bath | 10,771 SF | Offered at $6,900,000 Krista Maddox & Carol Garner 813.340.0505 1900southcardenasavenue.smithandassociates.com

3 Bed | 3/1 Bath | 2,807 SF | Offered at $799,000 Julie Lux 813.598.0911 6212bayshoreboulevardg.smithandassociates.com

Contents April | May 2015

60 MetroLife 8

The Publisher’s Notes

10 People Tampa Museum of Art New Executive Director, Michael Tomor, PhD

12 Festival

22nd Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

14 Arts American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell

16 Spotlights Events, Business & Promotions

20 Scene The Bay Area Social Scene

96 54

24 Sponsored Event 24 Heart Gallery Be Mine 2015 26 Bollywood 28 Fashion Funds the Cure

MetroHome 36 Home Tour Relatable Spaces - South Tampa Estates of Nikki DeBartolo & Lisa DeBartolo Miggs

52 Hot Property Waterfront Living On Tampa's Davis Islands

MetroGuide 92 Getaway Mississippi Coast: The Beau Rivage

94 Wine The Frankenwines

Features

96 Foodie

98 Latitude

Celebrity Chefs Cultivating A Taste For Tampa Bay Culinary superstars traveled to the Bay area for a taste of the town

Sea Salt

Unique Sightings Around Tampa Bay

BY MARY LOU JANSON

Special Sections 60

Spring Into Fashion The hottest spring fashions showcased at the Aloft Tampa Downtown PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN GAUTIER

30 Summer Camps Guide A Variety of Camps for Summer Fun

78 Metro Select Spas Dedicated to the Rejuvination of Body, Beauty & Soul

On The Cover PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Gautier – Ryan G Photo – www.RyanGPhoto.com | FASHION: MARIA – Lilly Pulitzer Pant, Bikini Top, Lilly Sunglasses, Pink Beaded Bracelet – The Pink Palm; Pink Sun Hat – Cerulean Blu, Bracelets & Sandals – Tresca Italia; JAMIE – Cerulean Blu Signature Collection Palazzo Pant, Tara Grinna Seafoam Slider Halter, Sunglasses, Gold Bangles – Cerulean Blu; Gold & Turquoise Bangles – The Pink Palm; Alexis Bittar Necklace & Sandals - Tresca Italia | LOCATION: Aloft Tampa Downtown – www.alofttampadowntown.com | STYLIST: Linda Zipkin | HAIR: Jackie Cupples – Shear Freakz Hair Studio – www.ShearFreakz.com | MAKEUP: Monique McLaughlin – Makeup and Hair by Monique – www.makeupandhairbymonique.com | PHOTO ASSISTANT: Jeff Tollefson – Tollefson Photography – www.tollefsonphoto.com | MODELS: Maria & Jamie | AGENCY: Benz Models & Talent Agency – www.benzmodels.com

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

83 The Independents A Look at Inspiring Local Restaurants in Our Neighborhoods

89 Health + Beauty Guide Discover the Latest Trends and Products

97 Metro Dining Guide A Guide to Area Restaurants

,OOK WHO S T AL K I NG

ND !V E 3 \ 3T 0ET ER S BUR G \ R OCOCOS T EAK COM

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

Publisher’s Notes METRO kicks off the spring season with FOOD, FASHION and FUN. The Tampa Bay area dining scene is experiencing an interest among celebrity chefs including Curtis Stone, Norman Van Aken, Ingrid Hoffman, Michael Mina and Don Pintabona. Mina and Pintabona opened the FarmTable Kitchen inside the Locale Market earlier this year. Mary Lou Janson discovers and chats with a few of the well-known names in the culinary world in Celebrity Chefs Cultivating A Taste for Tampa Bay. METRO had the opportunity to have a Q & A with Tampa Museum of Art’s new executive director, Michael Tomor, PhD, who will start at the museum on April 15. Special thanks to Aloft Tampa Downtown who hosted METRO for the spring fashion photo shoot. The modern and sleek hotel served as a great backdrop for fashions from local stores and boutiques including Deborah Kent’s, The Pink Palm, Tresca Italia, Georgette's, Cerulean Blu and Neiman Marcus. METROHome features the designs of Enrique Crespo of Casa Nova Design Group, who worked with Nikki and Lisa DeBartolo on each of the sisters' homes. The designs reflect the personality of each woman and create a fabulous space for each family. A fun, quick getaway to the Mississippi Gulf Coast is easier than ever, now with special package pricing from the Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Airfare, hotel room and ground transportation with direct flights from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater airport, are a great value and provide plenty of fun that kicks off as soon as you board the plane.

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Parag II Publisher / Managing Editor Ronda M. Parag Associate Publisher Patricia Vorbrich Executive Art Director Chad Vorbrich Contributing Writers Mary Lou Janson Kevin Pelley Contributing Photographers Susan Carnes Marc Edwards Ryan Gautier Ruslana Panov Amy Pezzicara Will Staples Jessie Stehlik

Enjoy,

Stephen Parag II Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief

President / CEO Stephen Parag II Vice President / CFO Patricia Vorbrich

Upcoming METRO Sponsored Events: April 10 April 11 April 11 April 16-20 April 21 April 24 May 2 May 14 May 16 May 16 June 24

Vice President Ronda M. Parag Vice President Chad Vorbrich Publishers of: Tampa Bay Metro™ Tampa Bay MetroHome™ Tampa Bay MetroFamily™ Tampa Bay Weddings Magazine™

Tampa Bay METRO Magazine (ISSN 1536-4909) is published bi-monthly by Metro Life Media, Inc. at 3404 S. Omar Ave., Tampa, Florida 33629 (813) 835-7700 Fax (813) 835-7700 • Copyright 2015 Metro Life Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of, or use without written permission of the publisher, of editorial, pictorial or design content in any manner is prohibited in the United States. Tampa Bay METRO Magazine,™ METROHome™, METROGuide™ , METRO’s Best™, METRO Home Buyers Guide™ , METROBiz™ , METROStyle™ , METROStop™ , METROLife™, METROFamily™, Suncoast Life™, Tampa Bay METRO Charity Register™ are trademarks of Metro Life Media, Inc. • Subscriptions: In the Continental U.S. one year $14.95 Canada and U.S. Possessions, $30. Overseas, $36. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tampa Bay Metro, 3404 S. Omar Ave., Tampa, Florida 33629 • Advertisements in this publication do not constitute an offer for sale in states where prohibited or restricted by law.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

METROLife People

M: What is your favorite style of art and who is your favorite artist? MT: My taste in art varies from time to time, from representational to abstract, but I have found a constant interest through the years in the Abstract Expressionists. Perhaps one of my favorite artists from that period and movement is Adolph Gottlieb.

“I see the Tampa Museum of Art as the bridge that connects the community to the world of art.” —Michael Tomor, PhD

M: What vision do you have for the Tampa Museum of Art? MT: My vision for the Tampa Museum of Art is the same vision I bring to the Museum profession. I see the Tampa Museum of Art as the bridge that connects the community to the world of art. To that end, I hope to engage with the business sector and the non-profit sector to introduce art to those not typically predisposed to art. It is remarkable how art can change the vision of a community, and I want the Tampa Museum of Art vision to be driven by community. M: List five words to describe you. MT: Community-spirited, dedicated, diplomatic, focused, and modest (ha). M: What do you do for fun? MT: I really enjoy walking my dog (a wire haired terrier) and working in the yard, landscaping and growing plants. Some people might call all of that work. For me it is fun.

Meet Michael Tomor, PhD Tampa Museum Of Art’s New Executive Director By Ronda M. Parag M: What attracted you to the position of Executive Director at Tampa Museum of Art? MT: The Tampa Museum of Art is nationally recognized for its dynamic Stanely Saitowitz masterpiece building and the remarkable Sky (Tampa) light installation by Leo Villareal. In addition, it boasts one of the most important collections of ancient Greek art, as well as Modern and Contemporary collections, as well as an ambitious dynamic rotating exhibition program of universally known artists. But what sealed the deal for me was the Board of Trustees. They may be one of the most committed and enthusiastic Boards I have had the chance to meet and I accepted the job in Tampa in anticipation of the good work we will accomplish together with the staff. M: Have you discovered any favorite spots yet in the area? MT: I really love the LED lighting of the bridges and river walks downtown and I am loving the Ballast Point Park view of downtown Tampa across Hillsborough Bay.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

M: What is something that you are most proud of? MT: I am most proud of putting myself through school and completing my doctorate. M: What inspired your love of art? MT: From a very young age, I have held the ability to read art the way others read books. Once I learned the meaning of some standard visual vocabulary words, the stories became richer and more interesting. Today, every work of art is like a good detective novel for me. M: What was your path to being a Museum Director? MT: I had declared Art History my major before starting college and never looked back. My path to being a museum director started with a 3/4 time assistantship at Penn State, at what was then the Museum of Art (now the Palmer Museum of Art). I stayed with that museum, working in Marketing and PR, Registration, Curatorial, and Education, throughout my Masters and half of my Doctorate career. My first full time job in the art world was at a museum, when I was hired as the Chief Curator of Exhibitions and Collections. When the director of that museum retired, the Board asked me to become the Director. I accepted their invitation. It’s a pretty linear story, but it’s mine. M: Is there anything else you want to make sure that METRO readers know about you? MT: I love art. Maybe that was a given (ha).

The Toni Everett Co. /LFHQVHG 5HDO (VWDWH %URNHU

4526 W. Rosemere Rd. %HDFK 3DUN (VWDWH +XJH /RW *UDQG 5RRPV 3RRO 6SD (QGOHVV &RPIRUW EU ED 6) Pam Menendez 813-335-9711

%D\VKRUH %OYG 7DPSD )/

3009 W. Villa Rosa Park &XVWRP EXLOW KRPH RQ IW ORW MXVW RII %D\VKRUH %OYG EU ED VI Henderson Everett 813-601-3089

(813) 839-5000

3901 W. Empedrado St. 118 Barrington Dr. VT IW OX[XULRXV KRPH LQ &RPSOHWHO\ 5HQRYDWHG 3RRO KRPH D JDWHG FRPPXQLW\ )DPLO\ ELOOLDUGV RQ [ FRUQHU ORW EU ED JDWKHULQJ URRPV SRRO DFUH VI Eric Panico & Kenny Allen 813-846-2998 or 813-624-3679 Patty Martini Clark 813-240-6715

4223 W. Azeele St. %HDFK 3DUN HVWDWH RQ D GRXEOH FRUQHU ORW RQ RQH RI 7DPSDÂ¶V PRVW FRYHWHG VWUHHWV VI Julie Everett Liz Guerra 493-1581 RU 335-3319

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROLife Festival

Flower Power At The 22nd Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

It is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors, and Walt Disney World Resorts continue to create their magic with inspired gardens, fresh flavors, music and more during the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Around the park, new Anna and Elsa topiaries will salute the film “Frozen” and offer plenty of photo opportunities for kids of all ages. There is a garden filled with color as the icey “Frozen” world is filled with white and silver blooms of delphinium, alyssum and other flowers including Gerbera daisies, petunias, Sweet William and other blooms. Ten new gardens will delight attendees from a pepper garden to a healing and health garden that is designed to create a story.

The Shakespeare Garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion features roses to represent “Romeo and Juliet,” rosemary as an ode to “Hamlet” and lavender from “The Winter’s Tale.” New food items created from the 11 Outdoor Kitchens offer tempting items like Cachapas with Farmer’s Cheese, a yellow corn pancake and Seafood Ceviche with shrimp, scallops and grouper with mango and avacado. Guests can taste garden and spring-inspired tapas food and beverages throughout the various countries. From the Gardening Seminars to the Garden Rock Concert Series, don’t miss the chance to enjoy all the flowering plants and garden bounty at Epcot this spring.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs through May 17. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.EpcotInSpring.com. The festival and all programs and exhibits are included in regular Epcot admission.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

METROLife Arts

A True Artist American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell on view at Tampa Museum of Art

providing a personalized interpretation — albeit often an idealized one — of American identity. “I am so excited to have American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell here in Tampa,” said Seth Pevnick, Acting Executive Director of Tampa Museum of Art. We are incredibly fortunate that our friends at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA have agreed to lend so many of their priceless treasures to us, for while many visitors will know some of Rockwell’s iconic images from their reproductions in The Saturday Evening Post — and they’ll be able to see all 323 of his Post covers in this exhibition — here we have more than 50 of his original oil paintings on display. To see these in person is a completely different experience from seeing reproductions, and visitors will get a good sense from these paintings of just how talented Rockwell was.” Rockwell’s depictions offered a reassuring visual haven during a time of momentous transformation as our country evolved into a complex, modern society. Rockwell’s contributions to our visual legacy, many of them now icons of American culture, have Triple Self-Portrait, Norman Rockwell; Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 13, 1960 ©1960: SEPS; Norman Rockwell Museum Collections found a permanent place in our national psyche. One of the most popular American artists of the past “As this exhibition and others have traveled the country century, Norman Rockwell (1894 - 1978) was a keen observer in recent years, there has been a reappraisal of Rockwell as of human nature and a gifted storyteller. For nearly seven not only an illustrator — as he was viewed during his career decades, while history was in the making all around him, — but also as a true artist,” Pevnick said. “Those who come Rockwell chronicled our changing society in the small details to see this show will have an excellent opportunity to judge and nuanced scenes of ordinary people in everyday life, for themselves.”

American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell Tampa Museum of Art through May 31, 2015 For ticket information and hours, visit www.TampaMuseum.org.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROLife Spotlight

THE ONE GRANDE GALA Celebrates and Supports Tampa Prep The Tampa Prep community came together at The Vault in downtown Tampa to celebrate and support the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspirational mission to think, create, aspire to excellence and go beyond. Nearly 300 guests mixed and mingled in the fabulous event space, enjoying an appetizing array of cuisine from Puff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Stuff Catering. Congratulations to second-time Gala Chair Alta Schlemmer and all of the parent volunteers on a wonderful event. More than $100,000 was raised to support the creation of Active Learning Environments in the Upper School through the Fund-a-Need. The silent, live and online auctions were a huge success as well. All proceeds from THE ONE benefit the students of Tampa Preparatory School.

April|May 2015

Gala Chair Alta Schlemmer, with parent volunteers Donna Hatton and Sung Hochhausler.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Gala Chair Alta Schlemmer celebrates a successful evening with her children Avery '16 and Wesley '15.

Tampa Prep Alumni (L - R) Melissa Smith Carlson '89, Patricc Petti '81, Jen Menendez '90, Director of Alumni Relations Robin Kennedy and Susannah Wilson Smith '87

THE TRUTH ABOUT MAGAZINES: Luncheon and Fashion Show Hosted by Brighter Tomorrows, Inc.

“Magazines build buzz. They excel in reaching people who shape attitudes and behavior.” Source: GfK MRI Fall 2011

Sisters, Nancy Merkel and Shirley Wood were last years co-chairs

Brighter Tomorrows, Inc. will be having its annual Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 am at the Tampa Bay Yacht and Country Club. Brighter Tomorrows awards grants to agencies in Hillsborough County that directly address the needs of victims of domestic violence. Deborah Kent’s, a South Tampa fashion boutique, will be presenting the fashion show. Tickets are $55. www.brightertomorrowstampa.org 813-868-7705

2015 Man and Woman of the Year METRO is proud to once again support the men and women who are raising funds to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Suncoast Chapter 2015 Man and Woman of the Year in honor of Sean and Lea who are both blood cancer survivors. For the complete list of candidates and campaign information: 813-963-6461 | www.mwoy.org/sun

PHOTO LEFT: Girl of the year, Lea Sellwood and her mother, Kate Sellwood PHOTO RIGHT: Boy of the year, Sean, with his family, father Toby, mother Holly, sister Elizabeth

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROLife Spotlight

Photos: David Galindo Photography

Jack Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hosts Whiskey Dinner A pop-up dining experience at Council Oak brought together a fusion of great food and whiskey cocktails. Michael J. Ring, Jack Daniels Spokesperson, described each of the four cocktails in detail from the Smoked Peach & Lemon Whiskey Sour, to the Tennessee Tipple made with Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, brewed & chilled espresso & orange bitters topped with vanilla foam. Chef Mike Bales, Head chef of Council Oak & PLUM VIP Lounge, spoke of each course selection including the house cured duck prosciutto topped salad and the Mishima Ranch Wagyu strip steak. Visit www.seminolehardrock.com for future dinner dates and times.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

THE TRUTH ABOUT MAGAZINES: Making An Immediate Impact, EquiAlt is Changing Local Communities

“Readers enjoy reading the magazine ads. They don’t pay to avoid them as they do with other media.” Source: Nielsen 2012

Brian Davison, Founder/CEO of EquiAlt

Throughout Tampa Bay, distressed homes – almost always abandoned – blight many neighborhoods. That’s where Brian Davison of EquiAlt comes in to make a positive, immediate impact for the local community. As the largest home buyer in the tax deed auction, EquiAlt pays cash for homes, removes the liens and converts them into livable, rentable spaces. A hold investor, not a flipper like others, the company’s vested interest to improve the home’s long-term value, creates an asset that benefits the community, home values and local tax base. States Davison, “EquiAlt is a different type of company because we operate at a level of risk that most investors are scared of. We excel at managing risk to produce a home the community wants and a profitable asset our investors require. It’s a win-win.” Davison notes that the company has spent $4.5 million in home repairs and donated three homes to charity. www.EquiAlt.com 1-855-378-4258

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROLife Scene

25th Annual Silver Coffee: The 25th Annual Silver Coffee was held at the Sunset Park, waterfront home of Danielle and Jason Accardi. More than 250 guests turned out on a beautiful day and helped LAMPLighters raise over $15,000 to support the needs of children at Metropolitan Ministries. The fifteen past Presidents of the LAMPLighters were in attendance and honored including: Sally Mabry, Kelly Breeding, Marsha Martin, Nancy Leach, Susy Nelson, Sally Ordway, Tricia Hancock, Christine Manley, Bernadette Schurr, Cleta Alexander, Barbara Simmons, Evelyn Bowles, Helen Raterman and Robin De La Vergne. | Philanthropic Women of St. Joseph’s Luncheon:

More than 250 people attended the annual Philanthropic Women of St. Joseph’s Luncheon at the Tampa Yacht Club. The event was emceed by Gayle Sierens and featured an entertaining

keynote speech by Amy Grant. Philanthropic Women of St. Joseph’s is a leadership network of community-minded women, who change and save lives in the Tampa Bay community by investing annual membership gifts in collaboration with other women leaders. Gifts of Philanthropic Women support health care for women, children and families at St. Joseph’s Hospitals. | Tampa Museum of Art Donor Appreciation: Friends and supporters of the Tampa Museum of Art gathered in celebration that the museum has paid off all its loans in five years. Patrons and supporters were the first to meet the new executive director, Dr. Michael Tomor. Jim Ferman and Ray Ifert spoke and thanked all the donors that made the museum possible. Cornie Corbett gave an emotional thank you to her husband, Dick.

6 (1) Jen Kober, Brooke Palmer Kuhl, Tammi Kirschner, Stephanie Rumbley (2) Back row: Sally Mabry, Kelly Breeding, Marsha Martin, Nancy Leach, Susy Nelson, Sally Ordway. Front Row: Tricia Hancock, Christine Manley, Bernadette Schurr, Cleta Alexander, Barbara Simmons, Evelyn Bowles, Helen Raterman (3) Danielle Accardi, LAMPLighters president, Christine Manley (4) Gayle Sierens, Scottie Drake, Amy Grant, Donna Jordan, Mary Lou Jordan (5) Genevieve King, Jackie Gardner, Amy Grant, Ann Nelson (6) Loretta Sierra, Sally Sierra, Amy Grant (7) Heidi Shimberg, Betsy Shimberg, Mary Kelly, Carol Hutton, Sandy Juster, Lee Lowry, Dena Shimberg, Kasey Kelly (8) Debra Williams McDaniel, Cornie Corbett, Allison Adams, Mark Anderson, Margo Ehure, Michael Tomor, PhD, Len Kizner, Jeff Tucker (9) Penny & Jeff Vinik (10) Cornie Corbett, Enrique Crespo, Tom Luzier, Allison Beard Luzier (11) Ray Ifert, Dick Corbett (12) Rob Canton, Maryann Ferenc

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

IS IS &EndBDomIKesIN MARShTowIN tic Violence Fundraiser to

The Fashion

rtners ommunity Pa C r u o to u Yo Thank

eels to eal .com

141 S. DALE MABRY TAMPA FL 33609 WWW.GEORGETTESFASHIONS.COM 813. 254.1141

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROLife Scene

DreamMaker Luncheon: The Children's Dream Fund held it's annual DreamMaker Luncheon at the Carillon Hilton. Over 500 people were in attendance as Tech Data CEO Bob Dutkowsky was presented with the 2015 DreamMaker Award for his commitment to make children’s dreams come true. Dream recipient Josh Cash gave a moving presentation about his illness and the support he has received from the Dream Fund. | 20th Anniversary Opera Tampa Gala: The Straz Center hosted 150 guests for the Opera Gala held to support Opera Tampa. Opera Tampa singers performed a medley from Opera Tampa productions over the past 20 years including a tribute to Sherrill Milnes’

role in Tosca and Maestro Coppola’s production of Sacco and Venzetti. In honor of composer-

conductor and Opera Tampa Founding Artistic Director Anton Coppola, the Anton Coppola Excellence in the Arts Award was presented to world-renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes. | To Life: To Justice: The Florida Holocaust Museum’s Annual Gala honored famed “Nazi Hunter” Eli Rosenbaum with the Loebenberg Humanitarian Award. Mr. Rosenbaum was honored for his tireless work in pursuing justice for the victims and survivors of the Holocaust throughout his more than 30-year career with the U.S. Department of Justice. Dr. Zena Lansky and Warren Rodgers were co-chairs of To Life: To Justice and WFLA-TV’s Gayle Sierens served as emcee for the evening’s program held at the Mahaffey Theater. | Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon: The Centre for Women’s Inaugural Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon celebrated the

life of its founder, Tampa Bay’s iconic and beloved Helen Gordon Davis. The first recipient of the

award named in Helen’s honor was another trailblazer, Gloria Steinem. These two women made

waves, thus making changes in the lives of people around them. (13) Cynthia Lake, Josh Cash (14) Kevin Dutkowsky, Lorraine Dutkowsky, Bob Dutkowsky, Julie Dutkowsky (15) Laura Sherman, Rohom Khonsari (16) Jim & Joan Jennewein (17) Maestro Daniel Lipton, Maestro Anton Coppola, Sherrill Milnes (18) Charles A. Simmons, Faith “Cookie” S. Simmons, Maria Zouves & Sherrill Milnes, Karen & Gary Sasso (19) St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Lois Pardoll, Kerry Kriseman (20) Nathaniel L. Doliner, Elizabeth Gelman, Eli Rosenbaum, Sandy Mermelstein (21) Lisl Schick, Eli Rosenbaum, Toni Rinde, Rachael Worthington (22) Katie Everlove-Stone, Gloria Steinem, Ann W. Madsen, Stacie Schaible, Lisa Brock (23) Stephanie Davis, Gloria Steinem, Karen Davis, Gordon Davis (24) Sandy Murman, Brian & Molly Auld, Katherine O’Donnelley © Marc Edwards

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

METROLife Scene

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s Heroes Ball : More than 600 guests attended the event held at the A La Carte Event Pavilion. The black-tie affair, presented by Rooms To Go Children’s Fund and chaired by Harvey and Cherie Schonbrun, raised more than $210,000 for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Honorary chair Evan Longoria thanked attendees for being an integral part of helping Tampa Bay’s sick and injured kids get back in the game. Gayle Sierens was recognized for her countless hours of volunteer service. The evening included live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing and live entertainment. | Chiselers' Market Preview Party: The 52nd annual Chiselers' Market raises

Photo: © Ryan G Photo

funds for the restoration and preservation projects at the University of Tampa. A Preview Party was held the night before and co-chaired by Jane Williams and Casey Cathey. The open bars and

buffets served over 500 guests in attendance. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn was honorary chairman of the Preview Party. The Market was chaired by Jan Ely and Debbie King. | galaRE 2015: Celebrating after the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA), art lovers, artists and supporters enjoyed an evening with many of the artists at galaRE. A celebration was held at the Tampa Museum of Art with food, open bar and award winning art for sale and viewing. Attendees included Jim Vasiloff, 2015 Gasparilla of the Arts President, Vice-President Ashly Anderson, GFA Co-Chairs Adam Raschke, Noah Chitwood and Alex Engilsh. | 4th Annual Charity Polo Classic: The event was held at the DI Polo Field in Plant City and was created to combine the love of philanthropy

Photo: © Ryan G Photo

and polo by co-founders, Chris Gannon and Patrick Moraites. This year’s beneficiaries were

Children’s Cancer Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, and the Morgan Auto Group

Helping Hand Fund.

(25) Jaime Edmondson & Evan Longoria (26) Harvey & Cherie Schonbrun, Julie & Steve Weintraub (27) Elaine Shimberg, Gayle Sierens (28) Jan Ely, Deborah King (29) Jerry & Jane Williams, Casey & Jeff Cathey (30) Jean & Ian MacKechnie, Dr. Stephen & Marsha Dickey (31) James Kozaruk, Peter Zakarian, Kevan Cowie, Jim Vasiloff, Carole Vasiloff (32) Adam Raschke, Noah Chitwood, Jim Vasiloff, Ashly Anderson, Alex English (33) Jacqui Carione Gannon, Tina Hunter Greene, Chris Gannon, Julie Weintraub, George Mantzaris, Andrea Penton (34) Lani Trecida, Kelly Becker (35) Patty O’Leary, Tina Hunter Greene, Callie Peck, John Mangin (36) Heidi Kiffin, Jenn Holloway Photo: © Ryan G Photo

Photo: © Ryan G Photo

Photo: © Will Staples Photography

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

MetroLife Sponsored Event

Heart Gallery Be Mine Gala When: Thursday, February 12, 2015 Where: Palma Ceia Country Club The theme this year was â&#x20AC;&#x153;There's No Place Like Home,â&#x20AC;? and was fitting as guests supported the Children's Board Heart Gallery in helping foster children find forever homes. Following the yellow brick road lined with munchkins and lollipop kids to the outdoor party, held at the Palma Ceia Country Club, guests enjoyed a delicious buffet, fun photo displays, cocktails and silent auction. Co-chairs Casey Christoper and Mandy Valenti created a program filled with stories of adoption, entertainment and special lifetime achievement award honoring Judge Katherine Essrig.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

For more party photos, visit www.tampabaymetro.com.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROLife Sponsored Event

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

For more party photos, visit www.tampabaymetro.com.

Bollywood Nights When: Saturday, February 21, 2015 Where: Tampa Museum of Art The evening was filled with splendor at Bollywood Nights 2015 hosted by Vick and Sharmila Seth, Co-Founders of Children Across Borders (CAB) held at the Tampa Museum of Art. The colorful, Indian inspired gala raised over $400,000 to benefit their charity which serves children in areas of education, health, housing and wellness. Currently, CAB is participating locally in projects with Academy Preparatory, Starting Right Now, Pepin Academies, Train Up First, Voices for Children and 1 Voice Foundation and six projects in India. The live auction raised over $200,000 on fantastic and one-of-a-kind trips to Necker Island and India. A spectacular and magical evening included the capella group from Penn State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Penn Masala who performed and Bollywood heart-throb Vivek Oberoi. Oberoi is described as the equivalent of the American Tom Cruise. Once the auction concluded, the music started and DJ Firoz got the colorfully dressed crowd dancing until nearly 1 a.m. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails and Indian food including goat sliders and spicy chicken skewers. A delicious buffet of Indian specialties included a fish curry, naan, and chicken tikka marsala was created by S3 Catering of Atlanta. VIP guests mingled during a reception held one hour prior to Bollywood Nights. Tampa Bay METRO was a proud media sponsor. To learn more about Children Across Borders or to make a donation visit www.childrenacrossborders.org. Photography: Ruslana Studio

For more party photos, visit www.tampabaymetro.com

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

MetroLife Sponsored Event

Fashion Funds The Cure When: Saturday, February 21, 2015 Where: Tampa International Jet Center Children battling cancer made their debuts on the runway in the 12th annual AGW Capital Advisors Fashion Funds the Cure presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, Mercedes-Benz, and Bright House Networks, to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Escorted by athletes from the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New York Yankees, the girls modeled the latest spring fashions. Terri Najmolhoda, VP & General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota, and Sally Schule, Saksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Marketing Director, showcased the latest spring fashions on the runway. Celebrity host, Carson Kressley, and former Channel 10 news anchor, Heather Van Nest, served as emcees for the event at the International Jet Center to a sold out crowd of over 900 guests.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

For more party photos, visit www.tampabaymetro.com.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

Busch Gardens Camp Camp is a time to make new friends, try new things, come face-to-face with a giraffe and challenge a dive coaster. Busch Gardens Summer Camp offers camp programs for animal lovers, coaster enthusiasts, future veterinarians and

Camp IDS at Corbett Preparatory School

Academy at the Lakes Academy at the Lakes offers 59 summer programs including academic, creative, recreation, and sports camps. Favorites include Camp Invention, Musical Theater, and Recreation for Grades K-2. Conveniently located in Land Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lakes, our camps serve ages 3 through 14. Visit www.summeratthelakes.camp to view a catalog and register online!

April|May 2015

everything in between. Day Camp for K-12th and Resident Camp - 5th-College. Register now at www.BuschGardens.org or call 1-877-BGT-CAMP.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

For nearly two decades, CAMP IDS has been one of Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular summer camp programs offering 60+ different full- and half-day camps. All welcome. PreK3-high school. June 15July 31. Before & aftercare. Bus service. Performing & Visual Arts. STEM. Sports. Academics. Technology. Languages. Cooking. More. Call 813-961-3087 or www.corbettprep.com.

SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

SummerCampsGuide

summer school program is designed to help boys in grades 7-11 strengthen their academic skills. S.O.A.R. is open to any young man from any middle or high school. This program is a great way to get a jump on challenging elective

Carrollwood Day School Carrollwood Day School invites children ages 3 and up to come experience a summer of academics, sports, arts and much more in a relaxed and fun environment. Choose from nine full-time sessions. For more information and forms, go to our website at www.carrollwooddayschool.org. Or contact Susie Moore, Camp Director at 813-920-2288.

courses or repeat courses as needed for credit. For more information, visit online at www.cadet.com, or call 1-877-MY-CADET.

Tampa Bay Watch Riverside Military Academy Riverside Military Academy's four week

April|May 2015

Check out Tampa Bay Watch this summer for some fun in the sun with our marine

www.TampaBayMetro.com

ecology summer camps where they will learn about amazing Tampa Bay and its inhabitants! Some of the activities for campers include kayaking, snorkeling, as well as sea oats plantings, oyster bar creation and salt marsh recycling. Go to tampabaywatch.org to sign up today!

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo Camp Adventures await this summer at Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lowry Park Zoo with 100+ camps for kids who have completed K-8th grade. Fun is in our nature with Zoo hikes,

SummerCampsGuide

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

SummerCampsGuide animal encounters, educational shows,

water play, rides and more. Book online now at www.LowryParkZoo.org/Camps.

Tampa Museum of Art Students will explore classical, traditional, and contemporary art concepts while

experimenting with a variety of media to create original works. Inspired by gallery visits, the museum landscape, and layers of history, students will enjoy a summer filled with art. Registration is available at www.tampamuseum.org/programs/children-families/

Tampa Prep Summer Programs Tampa Prep Summer Programs include Academic Courses for credit, Enrichment and Robotics Courses, Sports

Camps and Camp Terrapin, a sports and fine arts camp for students entering first through eighth grades. Learn more at www.tampaprep.org/summer. 727 West Cass Street, Tampa 813-251-8481. 34

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

SummerCampsGuide

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

METROHome Tour

Nikki DeBartoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Built: 2003 | Square feet: 10,000 | Bedrooms: 6 | Bathrooms: 9

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Relatable Spaces By Mary Lou Janson Photography by Susan Carnes

iblings Nikki DeBartolo and Lisa DeBartolo Miggs are both high profile, Tampa-based professionals who are busy raising sons, while balancing careers as executives with the DeBartolo Family Foundation. Established in 2001 by the Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. family, the non-profit corporation raises money for groups and individuals through its signature sports-based special events and celebrity-studded philanthropic activities. The sisters also share a mutual admiration for the creative talents and highly honed taste of local interior designer Enrique Crespo, the founder and owner of Tampa’s Casa Nova Design Group, who is helping both to put their personal stamps on their respective homes. “Not only is Enrique one of the most wonderful human beings we have ever met, but his eye for design just blows my mind,” Nikki explained. “He never pushes and there are always choices. He makes decorating fun. I can’t wait to move on to the next room. My husband always knows that we are never done in the house, even when we pretend to be.” Two homes, two sisters, two visions. The various color schemes, wall treatments, furniture fabrics and imported light fixtures Crespo introduces to enhance and enrich rooms throughout each luxurious living space, are as distinctive and different as each of the women. While lightening, brightening and adding warmth is the focus for one sister’s home, simplifying, balancing and creating a more cohesive look has been the goal for the other’s, Crespo explained. “Even if you did not know whose house you were in, anyone who knows Lisa and Nikki would immediately know which home was which, based on the interiors,” Crespo said. While just six years apart in age, and just a few miles apart in terms of their home addresses, the sisters definitely apply their individual aesthetics to their personal living spaces. One favors pinks, purples and contemporary designs. The other gravitates more towards a dramatic décor accented by rich colors and textures.

www.TampaBayMetro.com April|May 2015

Both homes were custom built for their original owners and subsequently modified to meet the needs of the new occupants. A recording studio was built for Lisa’s husband, a professional musician. Additional second floor closet space is being added to the master bedroom at Nikki’s, and the play areas and bedrooms of each family’s sons are being re-imagined to keep pace with the changing interests of the children. One year the theme is pirates and the next it’s professional basketball. Common characteristics found in each household include formal and informal dining areas, state-of-the-art, climatecontrolled, computerized wine rooms that log in and locate bottles at the touch of a screen, spacious workout rooms with machines, weights and other fitness equipment, stand-alone commercial kitchens for personal chefs, theater rooms for movie viewing and at-home offices. As pieces specific to each house are custom-made or handmade, discovered or designed, delivered and installed, the transformations take time, but the goal is to get it right, not just get it done. Part of the challenge is to plan around each family’s hectic schedule, to be as minimally disruptive as possible to their day-to-day lives and frequent gatherings of friends and family typical at each home.

Nikki, her husband, Chad Chronister, and son, Asher, 11, their two dogs, Mona and Lola, and bearded dragon lizard, Eli, share a three-story mansion that optimizes vast views of the open waterfront with an abundance of windows and glass doors, opening onto a wide veranda and outdoor swimming pool. “My favorite room is the kitchen/family living area,” Nikki said. “I love it because it has bright, happy, yet warm colors and it is surrounded by windows, so the view is amazing. It’s a peaceful place for a morning cup of coffee.”

Nikki DeBartolo with her husband, Chad Chronister

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

www.TampaBayMetro.com April|May 2015

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Crespo added new vibrant colors and sleek furnishings to that area to update the space and accent a more playful, but polished, personality that is “transitional and whimsical.” “We always want guests to feel warmth and to feel welcomed. We would never want a house that felt stuffy or

felt like you could not just flop on the couch and get cozy,” added Nikki, who describes her personal style as “definitely eclectic and fun.” “I love color and I enjoy changing things around periodically and redecorating,” Nikki said.

www.TampaBayMetro.com April|May 2015

Lisa DeBartolo with her husband, Don Miggs

Lisa, her husband, Don Miggs, sons, Jasper, 6, and Milo, 3, their Border Collie, Zoe, and hamsters reside in a stately neighborhood bordered by brick-lined streets and old-growth trees. They enjoy the serenity of living near a private golf course located just behind their backyard pool area and deck. The two-story residence features rich reds, furnishings with a European flair and exquisite chandeliers. The result is an attractive, yet approachable, décor that perfectly captures Lisa’s “laid back” and classic style. “Our home is beautiful, but also comfortable and inviting,” Lisa said. “We love having people over. Then we never have to leave our house. We want everyone to feel like they would want to live here, too.”

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Lisa DeBartoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Built: 2003 | Square feet: 21,000 | Bedrooms: 6 | Bathrooms: 12

www.TampaBayMetro.com April|May 2015

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

When Lisa longs to relax, she retreats to the prettiest room in the house, the master bedroom. What was distinguished by dark rugs, ornate mirrors and a feeling of formality, has been softened by eliminating contrasting shades in exchange for a more soothing color scheme, that makes the room feel larger and grander. “Enrique Crespo has not only helped to make our house the beautiful place that it is, but he has since become a close friend,” Lisa added. “I don’t know what more you could ask for than someone who knows you that well to help make your living environment exactly what you want.” M

Designs created by Enrique Crespo Interior Designer/Partner at Casa Nova Design Group 813-837-8282 | www.casanovadesigngroup.com

www.TampaBayMetro.com April|May 2015

METROHome Hot Property

Waterfront Living on Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Davis Islands By Ronda M. Parag

deal for a family that loves the water, this Davis Islands Spanish style, two-story home is expertly built and is located on a deep water canal with direct access to Tampa Bay. The five bedroom, five and a half bath home is over 6,500 square feet, in one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious addresses. While the home was built in 2003, there have been upgrades and the home has been expertly maintained. Special details include coffered ceilings, stunning wanes coating details, built-in storage, bookcases and rich moldings. The downstairs offers polished marble floors throughout, while the upstairs has wood floors and ceramic tile. The home provides separate formal and family rooms that allow for entertaining or relaxing with the family.

April|May 2015

The living room has a gas fireplace. The spacious kitchen has custom white cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The center island offers a stove top, warming oven and wine cooler. For casual dining, there is space for a table that seats eight. The kitchen space opens to the oversized family great room and game room, that is currently large enough for a billiards table. The rooms look out to the beautiful outdoor pool and water views. The downstairs office is the ideal size to get work done or the room could be converted to a downstairs bedroom, as it is connected to a full bathroom. The bedrooms are located upstairs, after ascending up the wood and wrought iron staircase. There is also an upstairs library with custom built-ins for

www.TampaBayMetro.com

storage. The master bedroom overlooks the water and has a balcony to enjoy the water views. There are dual sinks, separate massage tub and shower stall. The bonus room upstairs could easily become a fifth bedroom. The three car garage offers plenty of room to park the cars or for extra storage. The large dock offers plenty of boat space and has a separate boat lift. The abundant and mature landscaping has been expertly maintained and offers privacy from the neighbors. M Located in Hillsborough County on Davis Islands, this Waterfront Executive Home is currently offered at $3,650,000 through Smith & Associates Real Estate. Contact Traci Burns at 813.839.3800 or visit www.42martiniqueavenue.smithandassociates.com.

www.TampaBayMetro.com April|May 2015

Celebrity Chefs Cultivating a Taste for Tampa Bay By Mary Lou Janson

Celebrity chef sightings throughout the Tampa Bay area may have hit an all time high this spring, as culinary superstars who have gained fame from TV appearances, popular cookbooks and acclaimed restaurants traveled here for various promotional purposes. Between all the book signings, cooking demonstrations, appearances at special events and participating in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ultimate Cooking Lessonâ&#x20AC;? live on HSN, visiting chefs found time to dine in various local restaurants, browse displays of locally sourced foods stocked at Locale Market and meet and greet fans at the inaugural, Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

Chef Don Pintabona and Chef Robert Irvine, outside the Locale Market in Sundial.

mong those passing through the Tampa Bay area were personalities known for hosting Food Network shows like “Restaurant Impossible,” competing in culinary competitions such as “Top Chef,” penning bestselling cookbooks, endorsing products developed primarily for home cooks and operating award-winning restaurants. While cities like Orlando and Miami are already being served by restaurants aligned with well known chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Todd English, Masaharu Morimoto and South Florida’s Norman Van Aken and Michelle Bernstein, Tampa has lagged at getting that level of culinary professionals to lend their names to local ventures. Fortunately those tables are turning. FarmTable Kitchen in downtown St. Petersburg brought internationally renowned chefs, Michael Mina and Don Pintabona together to open the restaurant

April|May 2015

and its neighboring Locale Market. Former Top Chef “chef-testant” Jeffery Jew is set to launch Stillwaters Tavern along St. Pete’s waterfront this summer. Without the huge draw of Orlando’s theme parks to generate traffic or the glamour and glitz of South Beach, a destination frequented by models, musicians and movie stars, will more celebrity chefs soon be cooking up plans to open restaurants here? “Never say never because you never know,” said Ingrid Hoffmann, a chef, cookbook author, Univision host and Miami resident. Hoffman, who was at HSN in Clearwater to debut her newest food line, “Cocina by Ingrid Hoffman,” that features easy-to-make, wholesome meals, and demo her Simplemente Delicioso cookware line, the former Miami restauranteur has too much on her plate these days to take on another restaurant. Or does she? “I would love to

www.TampaBayMetro.com

have a restaurant at Tampa International Airport,” she shared. Interest in airports serving major metropolitan areas by leading chefs has been heating up, due to a nationwide trend to create more localized culinary experiences at aviation centers to better reflect the signature cuisine, locally brewed coffees and craft beers and cultural influences of each market. Moving away from multi-national franchises and cultivating more regional and local brands, offers opportunities for high profile chefs to create concepts featuring locally sourced foods and seasonal items from nearby farms and ranches. A thriving, 24/7 center of activity for travelers from around the world, supplies a constant source of demand that can help drive a restaurant’s bottom line. That process is already under way in Tampa. Among the bids recently submitted to Tampa International Airport (TIA)

for businesses vying to open restaurants, cafés, coffee concessions and more, were proposals from such noted chefs as Van Aken, the only Floridian inducted into the prestigious James Beard list of “Who’s Who in American Food and Beverage,” and Restaurant Impossible’s Robert Irvine, who has a home in Tampa, but travels 345 days a year taping segments for the Food Network, creating culinary events for military personnel and promoting healthful eating habits. “We have a restaurant in Orlando (Norman’s at the Ritz-Carton Orlando, Grande Lakes) and it is fascinating and exciting to see what the chefs working with the local farmers are coming up with,” Van Aken said when asked what sort of cuisine he would create to represent Tampa. “I think it is most important that the dynamic that is expressed is Florida.” Considered one of the founding fathers of modern American cuisine, Van Aken collaborated with Busch Gardens to plan menus for this year’s Food & Wine Festival, held weekends at the park in March through April. He also caught up with Greg and Michelle Baker, owners of two Seminole Heights restaurants, over cocktails at their newest venture, Fodder & Shine, and during dinner at The Refinery. Chef Greg Baker is Tampa Bay’s sole 2015 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for the Best Chef: South. Whether Aken or Irvine are among those awarded airport contracts, won’t be revealed until June, but there’s more than one way to make a mark in this market. Van Aken, a self-taught chef, acknowledges this area may be perfect for a cooking school similar to one he just opened in Miami. “The more I come here, the more the possibility appeals to me. I would look at doing an outpost of our school here, but that would be at least two years away because we are just getting started in Miami right now,” he said. “This is a school for enthusiasts, not for someone to earn a degree. There are so many

people living in Florida who have already had successful careers and raised families who are looking for something to do in their 40s, 50s and 60s. We help them enhance their cooking, but we teach children, too.” If Irvine’s proposal for TIA is accepted it will be similar to the FRESH Kitchen concept he introduced to the Pentagon earlier this year. The healthful, freshly prepared meals are available as grab-and-go options, or enjoyed in the full-service dining room at the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters

located near Washington, D.C. Irvine, who came close to opening a downtown St. Petersburg restaurant in 2008, is eager to expand his FRESH Kitchen brand to TIA as a means of providing nutritional food to harried travelers, but admits he isn’t to ready to scout another location. “This is an eclectic place that has an abundance of culture and people with money. And Locale Market is amazing,” Irvine said. “I have a home in Tampa and one of my favorite steakhouses is Charley’s. I know Bern’s and the chef

Restaurateur, celebrity chef, producer, and cookbook author, Lorena Garcia, showing off her chic & colorful “Lorena Bella” cookware.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

Celebrity chefs, Eduardo Garcia, Carla Hall, Curtis Stone, Lorena Garcia, Robert Irvine, Ingrid Hoffmann, Keith Schroeder, along with HSN President, Bill Brand, are helping to create a strong culinary scene in Tampa Bay.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

there and the Epicurean Hotel. It would make sense, but I just have too much going on to think about opening a restaurant here right now.” Australian-born, internationally known chef, TV host and bestselling author Curtis Stone, arrived in Tampa to participate in the HSN cooking event showcasing several celebrity chefs throughout a 24-hour cycle. Just last year he opened his first U.S. restaurant in Beverly Hills. Maude, named for his grandmother, has already garnered a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant and was named one of the best new restaurants in the world, by both TIME and Travel & Leisure magazines. Any chance of finding a site for a second U.S. restaurant on Florida’s West Coast? “The first time I came to Florida I spent some time in Miami with my best mate, back in my single days, and I wondered why hasn’t someone told me about this place before? The more times I come to Tampa to do HSN, the more I fall in love with a different part of the area. I would love to open a restaurant here. But no immediate plans. It would be a really good excuse to spend more time here,” said Stone, who seemed impressed with the local dining scene, particularly Bern’s which he described as “a phenomenal steakhouse.” At Maude, a single seasonal ingredient inspires a menu of nine tasting plates, a concept that could certainly work in the Tampa Bay area with its considerable food-related resources. “I think the climate here plays so much into how you want to eat when you are in this environment. You also have access to good ingredients. You are right on the ocean so you have access to amazing seafood. All of my cooking is simple in its orientation. Taking good ingredients and seeing what you can do with them. You want to elevate food as far as you can, but it always starts in the same place — with a beautiful ingredient.” M

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

SPRING INT Photography by Ryan Gautier | Styling by Linda Zipkin

With temperatures rising, the trend calls for keeping cool in white, spice colors, fringe, bold prints and patterns, flat sandals and of course, 60

colorful bathing suits in fresh stripes and patterns. Discover the latest fashion styles, all shot on location at Aloft Tampa Downtown.

O FASH I ON

LOCATION: Aloft Tampa Downtown, www.alofttampadowntown.com | PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Gautier, Ryan G. Photo, www.RyanGPhoto.com | STYLIST: Linda Zipkin HAIR: Jackie Cupples, Shear Freakz Hair Studio, www.ShearFreakz.com | MAKEUP: Monique McLaughlin, Makeup and Hair By Monique, www.makeupandhairbymonique.com | PHOTO ASSISTANT: Jeff Tollefson – www.tollefsonphoto.com | MODELS: Christina, Jamie, Maria | AGENCY: Benz Models & Talent Agency, www.benzmodels.com

MARIA - Rebecca Taylor Crop Top - $295, Rebecca Taylor Skirt - $375, Cusp Cuff - $42, Cusp Earrings - $120 – Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay; Sandals – Stylists own; Gold Bag - $65 – Tresca Italia JAMIE – Haute Hippie Top - $375, Haute Hippie Skirt - $395, Necklaces - $60 – 80, Nancy Gonzales Clutch - $1,650 – Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay; Jeweled Sandals – from $95 - Tresca Italia CHRISTINA – White Fringe Vest - $225, Alice + Olivia White Dress - $495, Cusp Earrings - $120, Necklaces - $60 each – Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay; Jeweled Sandals – from $95 - Tresca Italia

– Alice + Olivia Skirt - $598, Alice + Olivia Red Top - $188 – Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay; Pearl Earrings - $48 – Deborah Kent’s; Bracelet $29 – Tresca Italia; Shoes – Models own – Dolce & Gabbana Dress - $1,775, Valentino Purse - $1,675, Gold Cusp Earrings - $48 – Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay; Shoes – Stylists own

– CAI Trek Dress/Top - $499, Earrings - $174, Silver Shoes - $374 – Deborah Kent’s – CAI Wild Dress - $699, Black Shell Earrings $56 – Deborah Kent’s; Jeweled Sandals – from $95 - Tresca Italia; Silver Bracelets – Stylists own

– Lilly Pulitzer Dress - $198, Resort White Clutch $32 – The Pink Palm; Jeweled Sandals – from $95, Blue Beaded Bracelets - $20 each – Tresca Italia – Lilly Pulitzer Dress - $268, Gold Metallic Tote - $198, Bracelets - $42 – The Pink Palm; Jeweled Sandals – from $95 - Tresca Italia – Crinkle Clip Silk Jacquar Top - $168, White Eyelet Skirt - $118, Treasure Metallic Tote - $138 – The Pink Palm; Necklace - $88, Earrings - $65, Jeweled Sandals – from $95 – Tresca Italia

– Orange & White Dress - $169, Gold Tote - $79, White Bracelet - $39 – Georgette’s Boutique, Gold Bangle Bracelets - $29 – Cerulean Blu; Sandals and Earrings – Stylists own – Nicole Miller White Top - $220, Nicole Miller Skirt - $255, Bamboo Purse - $175, Necklace - $88 – Georgette’s Boutique; Shoes – Models own; Earrings – Stylists own

– Cerulean Blu Signature Collection Palazzo Pant - $83, Tara Grinna Seafoam Slider Halter - $82, Sunglasses - $12, Gold Bangles - $21 – Cerulean Blu; Gold & Turquoise Bangles - $39 ea. – The Pink Palm; Alexis Bittar Necklace - $595 – Tresca Italia – Lilly Pulitzer Pant - $128, Bikini Top - $78, Lilly Sunglasses - $68 – The Pink Palm; Pink Sun Hat - $22 – Cerulean Blu; Bracelets - $20 each – Tresca Italia

- Ella Moss Royal Ruffle Top - $58, Ella Royal Tab Side Bottom - $48 – Cerulean Blu; Jeweled Sandals – from $95, Left Arm Bracelets - $23 each – Tresca Italia; Right Arm Bracelets - $26-28 – The Pink Palm - Trina Turk Amazonia Midkini - $88, Trina Turk Amazonia Tie Side Bottom - $68, Gold Bangles - $21 – Cerulean Blu; Earrings - $98 – Deborah Kent’s; Jeweled Sandals – from $95 – Tresca Italia

– Blue Pants - $121, Red Bandeau - $15, White Lace Top - $69, Red Link Necklace - $66, Earrings - $39 – Georgette’s Boutique

- Luli Fama Amancer Multi String Halter Top - $88, Luli Fama Amancer Multi String Bottom - $82, Left Arm Gold Bracelet - $32, Sunglasses $12 – Cerulean Blu; Right Arm Gold Cuff - $139 – Tresca Italia

METRO

SELECT

SPAS Bay Area Businesses Dedicated To The Rejuvenation Of Body, Beauty & Soul

METRO SELECT SPAS

SANDPEARL SPA In addition to its reputation as the best of luxury resort spa, Sandpearl Spa is a comfortable and unhurried atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty and warm personal attention; you can enjoy a relaxing, invigorating spa getaway while discovering a healthier track for life. You'll find countless possibilities to explore in our immersive environments. Choose from individual spa treatments or fabulous customized spa packages that include sublime massages, body treatments and facials. Jumpstart your fitness program, fortify your spirituality, take an organic cooking class, greet the sun with a gentle yoga, or just sit back and relax. Our menu of services offers our guests the most innovative, life-enhancing treatments in the world. Our Spa Artisans incorporate modalities from all corners of the globe and their expertise shines through our vast array of spa treatments that are unique to Sandpearl.

Special Section

500 Mandalay Avenue | Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 877.726.3111 | www.sandpearl.com

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METRO SELECT SPAS

SPA SUDEVA FOR TOTAL RELAXATION Spa Sudeva is a Day Spa where the East meets West and the old meets new. A place where you can embrace a more natural way of being. Enter Spa Sudeva and be transported to the Far East with the scent of lemongrass and lavender. Be enveloped by the rich textures, colors and fabrics of their relaxation lounge and treatment rooms. Allow Spa Sudeva to take you on a journey by engaging every sense. Spa Sudeva offers spa services that are far beyond the ordinary. Above just providing spa treatments, the highly trained staff will equip you with valuable tools to enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing.

2406 S. MacDill Ave. | Tampa, FL 33629 813.837.4300 | www.SpaSudeva.com

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Special Section

METRO SELECT SPAS

RED BAMBOO MEDI SPA Red Bamboo Medi Spa has been the medi-spa leader in the Tampa Bay Area for over seven years. In 2008, Dr. Toscano became the first to introduce SmartLipo to Pinellas County and was chosen “Best in Tampa Bay” by duPont Registry. In 2010, he was the first doctor in the area to inject Platelet Rich Plasma and he was the first in Florida to perform Stem Cell Microneedling using the Dermapen. Dr. Toscano is known throughout the area for his subtle and artistic use of facial fillers and Merz Aesthetics recently chose him to review their newest filler, Radiesse Plus. Dr. Andrew Ordon from THE DOCTORS presented Red Bamboo with the award for the National Best Aesthetic Practice. Call 727-726-6100 today, to experience aesthetic excellence in Tampa Bay.

Dr. Francis E. Toscano, Dr. Andrew Ordon (from THE DOCTORS), Raye Toscano

Northwood Plaza|2516-C McMullen Booth Rd.|Clearwater, FL 33761 727.726.6100 | www.RBMedispa.com

Special Section

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

ROCK SPA More Zeppelin than Zen, the Rock Spa inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the place to rock one’s body and soul. Rock Spa features the most luxurious products and services currently trending in the industry including Hard Rock’s recently introduced “Rhythm & Motion.” The world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa experience uses amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation of its treatment. This groundbreaking experience takes guests on a rhythmic massage journey. Salon services include hair for both men and women, waxing, facials, beauty, massage, body treatments and nails. Food and beverages are available from a menu designed to complement your spa visit. Pamper yourself with us by calling 813-627-7650 for your next appointment.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Jenny McCarthy at Rock Spa Re-Opening

Inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 5223 Orient Road | Tampa, FL 33610 813.627.7650 | www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/rock-spa.htm

Special Section

THE

INDEPENDENTS

Tampa Bay Metro shines its light on the brave, creative, and inspiring local restaurants making a culinary difference in our neighborhoods.

I THE INDEPENDENTS

Experience Creole Nouvelle Beyond everyday Cajun and Creole, the new restaurant concept from the Datz Restaurant Group brings Creole Nouvelle to Tampa Bay. The menu draws upon classic New Orleans favorites and puts a fresh, contemporary spin on them, combining the new culinary influences that are infusing Louisiana cooking with those classic dishes. French, Italian, Cajun ... These are only three of the flavor profiles guests will find at Roux! With dĂŠcor reminiscent of any gracious French Quarter dining spot, Roux welcomes its guests with the kind of warmth and hospitality expected at a fine-dining establishment. Toula's, the house bar, provides a relaxing alternative for guests to indulge in a classic cocktail. Bienvenue a Roux!

4205 S MacDill Ave. | Tampa, FL 33611 813.443.5255 | www.rouxtampa.com

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Special Section

I THE INDEPENDENTS

Crafted. Refined. Elevated. The Epicurean Hotel and Executive Chef Chad Johnson are proud to introduce Jon Atanacio, Chef de Cuisine, and our new, seasonally inspired menu at Ă&#x2030;levage. A native New Yorker, Jon grew up with Italian and Puerto Rican cuisines. Influenced by an internship with Francois Payard, and stints at the famed Aquagrill and Todd Englishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Olives. Experience our new Seasonal Menu. Classic Cuisine elevated with a Modern Twist. Developed out of Bern's Steak House traditions. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and our glorious weekend Brunch.

Chef Jon Atanacio

1207 South Howard Avenue | Tampa, FL 33606 813.999.8726 | www.elevagerestaurant.com

Special Section

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

I THE INDEPENDENTS

Cru Cellars Cru Cellars celebrates five years this summer, and wife-and-husband owners Jen and Torrey Bingham are proud of the organic growth their neighborhood Wine Bar/Restaurant/Wine Shop has had over the years. Executive Chef Brad Sobo has developed Cru’s small plates and entrées menu to stunning reviews, and the three sommeliers on staff (lead by William Lucius) focus on curating an interesting wine and beer list of over 50 selections. Popular dinner menu items include the Truffle Mac n’Cheese, Blackened Octopus, and Toasted Ravioli (a shout to Sobo’s St. Louis roots), and the $6 Happy Hour plates are a perfect way to start the evening. Cru’s retail wine shop boasts over 350 well-priced selections, many of which are organic, and the monthly Wine Club gets you two bottles and free admission to all of their tastings! The Cru Wine Bar is open from 4:30 to 10 pm Tuesday - Thursday, 4:30 to 11pm on Friday, and 1:30 to 11pm on Saturdays. The Retail shop opens at noon.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Executive Chef Brad Sobo

2506 S. MacDill Ave. in Palma Ceia | Tampa, FL 33629 813.831.1117 | www.crucellarstampa.com

Special Section

I THE INDEPENDENTS

Mise en Place Independent Spirit abounds at Mise en Place and has for almost 29 years this establishment has been setting Tampa’s table. Critic Laura Reilly says as an “elder statesman” of the restaurant scene, “… there’s never anything stodgy … and Blitz doesn’t miss a beat, embracing trends and technology in real time.” Chef Blitz’s cuisine, including Get Blitzed — the sensory sensation Tasting Menu — has rated at the top of the list with Tampa Bay Times, Florida Trend (Golden Spoon Hall of Fame) and USA Today as #1. Dishes are edgy and comfortable, at the same time, set in a swanky but sensible space with stellar service that abounds with personality. For scrumptious Brunch with a view, visit their café, SONO, at the Tampa Museum of Art.

442 W. Kennedy Boulevard | Tampa, FL 33606 813.254.5373 | www.miseonline.com

Special Section

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

SPECIAL SECTION

+ HEALTH + BEAUTY

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BEAUTY AND SKINCARE

HEALTH

BEAUTY

It’s Time For A Trim From perfect Eyebrow Shaping to a perfect and smooth Brazilian Wax, Pia Day Spa never disappoints. No wonder, for ten years, they’ve been the favorite spot for experienced and new waxers who can appreciate a precise, clean job in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Oh, and done by truly caring professionals.

New waxing clients, come for a free eyebrow wax or 20% off your first wax.

Pia Day Spa & Body Shop Westchase: 813-854-6424 South Tampa: 813-831-2418 St. Pete: 727-346-6740 Orlando: 407-767-7100 www.PiaSpa.com

The Clear Choice in Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery For over 24 years, Dr. Geoffrey M. Kwitko has brought world class cosmetic eyelid surgery to South Tampa. In addition, he also specializes in thyroid eye diseases, orbital diseases, tearing problems and dry eye syndrome. Dr. Kwitko has been elected to the “Best Doctors” list by his peers every year since 2003. Have your cosmetic eyelid surgery performed by South Tampa’s most experienced oculoplastic surgeon. Visit his office on MacDill Avenue today!

Dr. Geoffrey M. Kwitko 311 MacDill Ave. | Tampa, FL 33609 | 813-877-8665 www.Kwitko.com 90

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Dr. Meenakshi Jain is a board certified obstetrician gynecologist, and is a member of the American College of OB/GYN and World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons. She has been practicing OB-GYN in this area since 1984. She is one of 25 gynecologists in the country who is a mentor and proctor for Robotic surgery and trains physicians from all over USA, at St. Petersburg General Hospital, one of two Gyn Epicenters in the state of Florida, and one of 25 in the country. She has led Robotic training workshops in India and has lectured on the superiority of Robotic surgery all over the world.

Dr. Jain’s Areas of expertise are: • Da Vinci Robotic Surgery • Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery • Interstim Procedure...a minimally invasive out patient procedure for immediate relief of over active bladder and urgency incontinence • Pelvic reconstruction after child birth and for pelvic relaxation • Cosmeticgynecology and Vaginal rejuvenation • Thermage and Fraxel...for skin tightening ,wrinkles and skin discoloration • Laser Hair Removal for all skin types • I-LIPO for body sculpting

727.343.2568 | 727.343.9004 | jaingynecology.com | pinellaslaserremoval.com 3275 66th Street North | St. Petersburg, FL 33710

HEALTH

BEAUTY

Jackie Cupples Colorist/Stylist 727.272.7253 | ShearFreakz.com Located in Clearwater

‘Like Us’ on Facebook

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROGuide Getaways

Dining room at BR Prime at the Beau Rivage

Easy Escape to the Mississippi Coast The Beau Rivage Offers Gaming Fun and Fine Dining | By Ronda M. Parag

t has never been easier than right now to have a convenient getaway to MGM Resort’s AAA Four Diamond resort, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Earlier this year, the Beau Rivage partnered with Sun Country Airlines to offer five days a week, nonstop jet service from the St. PetersburgClearwater International Airport. Flights leave on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:05 p.m. and arrive in Biloxi at 1:33 p.m local time (there is an hour time difference). The flights leave at 10:00 a.m. and arrive back in St. Pete-Clearwater at 12:20 p.m. “Beau Rivage has become a great getaway destination for people in the Tampa/St. Pete area,” said George P. Corchis, Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM Resorts International’s Southern Operations, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi. “Whether interested in a relaxing spa or golf weekend, exciting casino action, headline entertainment, dancing, dining or shopping, we offer guests a fun, stress-free world-class vacation within an hour flight away.” The 1,740 room hotel offers a host of

April|May 2015

Relax and recharge in the three whirlpools

activities that are perfect for a couples escape, girls or guys weekend or just plain relaxing. The guest rooms are spacious and offer double pillow-top mattresses, flat screen tvs, a soaking tub and separate showers. For gaming lovers, the 85,000 square-foot casino offers a 16-table poker room, state-of-the-art gaming areas and a high-limit room. If golf is your game, the Tom Faziodesigned championship golf course is available exclusively to guests of the Beau Rivage. To relax and return to a zen-like state, be sure to book a spa treatment of a signature massage, wrap or a mani/pedi. Make time to recharge in the steam room and the three whirlpools, each with a different temperature.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

World-class dining is available at BR Prime (Steakhouse) or Jai (Pan-Asian) restaurants. Both restaurants offer fine dining cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Reservations are suggested. Other dining options include the sumptuous buffet or casual snack bar settings. For nighttime fun, there are four nightclubs and bars that keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning. M Air-inclusive packages start at $299 and include airfare, deluxe accommodations, round-trip ground transportation and $40 in FreePlay. There are a limited number of first class seats available for an upgrade charge. For more information, visit www.beaurivage.com/299 or for reservations call 888-640-8973.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROGuide Wine

Quality Wine Reflects Its Environment, Not The Laboratory. By Kevin Pelley

ine is a beverage meant for providing pleasure and enhancing a meal while combining the disciplines of science, geology, history, religion, sociology, economics and more. As a wine writer, wine merchant and sommelier, I deal with wine from many perspectives. I buy it, sell it, consume it, write about it, teach classes about it, plan vacations around it and travel great distances to visit vineyards around the world. People tell me every day that I have the world’s greatest job. So what do I have to complain about? Well, I do have one pet peeve regarding this most incredible, delicious and sublime beverage, and that is a disconcerting trend of Frankenwines finding their way into grocery stores, wine shops and wine lists everywhere. A Frankenwine is the polar opposite of a wine of terroir. Terroir is a wine’s sense of place, incorporating all the factors including soil, elevation, aspect to the sun, rainfall, wind and everything else that makes it taste the way it does. Frankenwines are wines that have been manipulated and concocted in some way or another and taste like they were produced in a laboratory, not unlike Victor Frankenstein’s lab in the famous novel by Mary Shelley, resulting is a grotesque creature of a beverage. These wines completely lack a sense of place or any notion of terroir and even varietal typicity. I’m not going to name names, but we have all tasted these wines that are thick, syrupy, sweet, oaky, alcoholic messes that taste like something made for a test market study group. After all, soda and carbonated beverages are the top selling grocery items every year in America topping $12 billion annually! As a society, we like sweet stuff.

April|May 2015

Soda, cereal, candy, cookies – you name it, if it is sweet, it will sell. So, sadly this trend has found its way into the world of wine. The cause of this is the wine industry’s dirty little secret of additives that winemakers inject into Frankenwines, that gives them abnormally deep color and thick, viscous and unnatural unctuousness. These additives are substances such as Mega Purple and Ultra Red, to name a couple of the most flagrant offenders, and are highly concentrated syrups that lend a sweet, grapey, jammy quality to wines while deepening a wine’s color. Used in small amounts, it is a cure-all for pumping up poorly produced wines lacking in flavor, color and structure and has been around for a couple of decades, and historically, has been used for bulk or jug wine that sell for under $10 per bottle. Today, almost every wine at that price point uses Mega Purple, Mega Cherry Shade Grape Juice Concentrate or some other additive to help create a more stable, homogenous style of wine. However, I have recently begun detecting the use of these wine additives in premium wines that sell for $50 per bottle or more, and that is where I draw the line. Mega Purple Fruit Concentrate is produced by Constellation, the world’s largest wine conglomerate. It sells for $200 per gallon and is sold by third party retailers all over the internet. Mega Purple is a concentrate of grape juice that is 68 percent sugar and derived from the Rubired grape. Rubired is a hybrid grape created in 1958 by Dr. Harold Olmo at the University of California, Davis, with parental material of the grapes Tinto Cão and Alicante Ganzin. Even the name Rubired (pronounced ruby-red) sounds sinister.

www.TampaBayMetro.com

I liken the use of these additives in wine to an athlete using steroids, sure they are bigger and bolder, but are they better? I say no. What are they trying to cover up? Why do all wines need to stain the glass, and your teeth, an unnatural shade of purple? Not every wine needs to be ultra-rich, jammy and opaque. Sometimes I want elegance, delicacy and transparency in my wines. After all, variety is the spice of life and these adulterated, deeply colored Frankenwines are creating a culture of homogenous, uniformly bold but bland wines that I don’t want to drink. So the next time you have a glass of Pinot Noir and notice that you cannot see through it and it has a thick, oily viscosity, you know that the winemaker has added something that doesn’t belong. As consumers, we have the power to quit purchasing these wines and make the wineries produce quality wines that speak to the place from which they come instead of relying on additives. M —Kevin Pelley, Certified Sommelier Wine Merchant: Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits www.bernsfinewines.com

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

METROGuide Foodie

Where the Sun Meets the Sea Sea Salt – Sundial’s Newest Restaurant | By Ronda M. Parag

he swanky and sophisticated décor sets the ambiance for what is sure to be a delicious and savory dining experience. Chef Owner, Fabrizio Aielle and his wife, Ingrid, expanded their restaurant offerings with the latest, Sea Salt, opening earlier this year in Sundial St. Pete. As award-winning restauranteurs with experience in Washington, DC and Naples, FL, the couple are excited about St. Petersburg. “Much like when my wife, Ingrid and I first visited Naples, we fell in love with St Pete’s culture, energy and passion for food and wine,” said Aielli. “We’d been strategizing the expansion of the Sea Salt brand for some time.” The 80-foot Raw Bar and the 20-foot tall Wine Tower, are instrumental in the overall ambiance of the restaurant. For oyster lovers, Sea Salt procures the best from all around North America.

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

Metro Dining Guide With ambitions of having 40 different types of oysters, regular selections include Kumamoto and Kusshi from British Columbia, and Beau Soleil from Miramichi Bay in New Brunswick & Nova Scotia. Diners can create their own seafood delights from the Raw Bar filling a platter with stone crab claws, jumbo shrimps, main lobster tails and oysters. Each meal starts with a selection of fresh bread and different salts served with a sampling of fresh extra-virgin olive oil. Chef Aielli believes that when proper salts are used, they not only heighten enjoyment, but offer healthful properties. The restaurant offers a multiple selection of salts with infused flavors to enhance dishes. A delicious starter is the Lobster & Burrata Cheese — a succulent piece of lobster resting on a tomato confit, anchovy sauce and a savory, sweet donut. Don’t miss the warm octopus appetizer that is flown in from Spain and served with raisin tomato, fingerling potatoes and topped with a summer truffle jam. Chef Aielle has created a culinary vision with his New Version Caesar which is wrapped romaine, fresh parmesan slices, sherry vinegar and topped with tomato caviar. The NY Strip was expertly prepared with an espresso rub. The menu is filled with fresh pasta dishes, savory beef, and fish and chicken entrees. Don’t skip the finale as the desserts are created in-house. Tempting are the salted caramel chocolate dome, crème brulee or panna cotta served with fresh berries. M

Sea Salt St. Pete is located at Sundial and is open 7 days a week. 183 2nd Ave. North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-873-7964 www.SeaSaltStPete.com

Seasons 52 Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar featuring a seasonal menu and acclaimed wines. Inspired by the farmer’s market, Seasons 52 uses ingredients at their peak ripeness. Through rustic cooking techniques, we create dishes that are naturally lighter. There’s always something new to discover at Seasons 52. 204 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609 813.286.1152 | www.Seasons52.com

The Capital Grille You are cordially invited to join The Capital Grille for an evening of relaxed elegance and exceptional cuisine. Enjoy their signature dry aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning list of more than 350 wines, served to you by a gracious, knowledgeable staff who anticipate your every need. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607 813.830.9433 | www.thecapitalgrille.com

Guy Harvey RumFish Grill Tampa Bay’s newest destination restaurant where you can dine on fresh sustainable seafood in the shadow of a massive fish tank built on the TV show, “Tanked.” Drink at two great bars and shop from the largest selection of Guy Harvey merchandise. 6000 Gulf Boulevard., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 844.786.3474 | www.RumFishGrill.com

www.TampaBayMetro.com

April|May 2015

Photo: ÂŠ Jessie Stehlik; stehlikfoto.com

METROGuide Latitude

Time for a stroll 27.9446677, -82.4587668

April|May 2015

www.TampaBayMetro.com

The Riverwalk opened up along the Hillsborough River, creating a walkway of 1.8 miles for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy in downtown Tampa. It took six mayors and 40 years to create the Riverwalk that opened on March 27. M